Deal fails in bizarre circumstances after three imposters posing as Old Trafford representatives reportedly rock up at La Liga HQ

Manchester United's attempts to land Ander Herrera ended in farce after a group of imposters helped to scupper the deal.

United insist they pulled the plug because they were unwilling to pay the £30.5million fee to trigger his release clause from Athletic Bilbao. But reports from Spain say three men posing as United officials visited the La Liga offices in Madrid claiming they were there to finalise a move for the playmaker.

Herrera had been told United were ready to complete the deal but the bogus officials left when they were required to make the payment.